House GOP Conference Chairwoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY) is reportedly under consideration to be President-elect Donald J. Trump’s Ambassador to the United Nations. She was the first congressional leader to endorse Trump’s third presidential campaign, lending her support in November 2022.
The decision on Stefanik’s potential appointment, along with others from the House looking to join the administration, hinges significantly on the composition of the House majority. Republicans are optimistic about controlling the House following victories in the presidential and Senate elections. Still, outcomes depend on tightly contested races in states like California, Arizona, Alaska, and Oregon, with expectations of a narrow margin. Currently projections show Republicans holding 224 seats to the Democrats’ 211. On Thursday, Stefanik announced her candidacy for re-election as chair of the House GOP conference.
Stefanik, who is a senior member on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and the House Armed Services Committee, has voiced strong support for Israel after the October 7 Hamas attacks.
In other potential appointments, Rep. Mike Waltz (R-FL), a retired Green Beret, is being considered for the role of Defense Secretary. Waltz has military experience and has advised previous Defense Secretaries. He currently serves on the House Armed Services and Intelligence Committees, along with the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
Trump’s team is expected to make decisions on administration roles soon.